Show you care during Mental Health Month

25 September 2025

October is Mental Health Month - a time to check in with yourself and those around you because asking 'are you OK?' could be the question that helps someone feel seen, valued, and supported.

Community connection is the theme of World Mental Health Day on 10 October  and  whether at home, work, school, in the community or online, Mental Health Australia is encouraging everyone to  talk about mental health, reduce stigma, find support – and connect with our communities. 

 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics data 1 in 5 Australians are experiencing higher-than-usual levels of distress due to social and economic pressures which makes  staying connected more important than ever. The good news is that  more of us are doing just that with R U OK? research revealing  1 in 3 Australians  checking in with others more often than at the same time last year.. But there’s always more we can do. 

 

It’s natural to feel unsure about starting a conversation when you've noticed someone is struggling. You might be worried you'll say the wrong thing or not know how to help. But an overwhelming majority of people say they feel more grateful, supported and cared about  someone they trust checks in. 

 

So, this month and every month, think about the people you care about and  ask, 'are you OK?' to start a conversation that could a change a life.


If you’re unsure how to start, the R U OK? A.L.E.C. model can help guide you: 

  • ASK R U OK? – in a way that feels natural for you. 
  • LISTEN – with an open mind and without judgement. 
  • ENCOURAGE ACTION – suggest something that might help or gently guide them towards professional support if needed. 
  • CHECK IN – follow up to let them know you’re still there and that you care. 

 

You don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is simply being there to listen and showing you care. If someone needs more help, encourage them to speak with a professional. 

 

If it’s an emergency, call 000. Lifeline’s 24/7 crisis support service is available on 13 11 14, or you can find more support services by visiting: www.ruok.org.au/findhelp 




R U OK? has resources, including the Guide to Supporting R U OK?, a conversation guide, videos, posters, social media tiles and more to help people start more

life-changing conversations in their workplace, school and community.


SIGN UP FOR FREE RESOURCES HERE

Students reflect on meaningful connection through R U OK? National Student Art Competition

12 November 2025
Collages of life’s joys, portraits of loved ones, cultural celebrations, and reflections on the barriers to connection - the Creative Legends and Finalists of the R U OK? National Art Competition expressed creativity, vulnerability and individuality through their incredible artwork.
A montage of images of people in relationships

Why support matters when relationships end

30 October 2025
Relationships shape our lives so when any meaningful relationship ends, the loss can be deeply personal and painful. 

Announcement from the CEO, Katherine Newton

by Katherine Newton • 16 October 2025
After ten years of teamwork, partnerships, growth, and countless conversations, I will be stepping down as CEO from 1 December 2025. It has been an extraordinary privilege to contribute to the growth of this movement and to witness meaningful change before my eyes. Gavin Larkin founded R U OK? because he believed conversation has the power to change lives. One seemingly simple question, when asked with genuine intent and care, can start a meaningful and sometimes complex conversation. And that’s what Gavin wanted. For people to look beyond responses of “I’m fine” or “All good” and ask, “Are you really OK?”. The notion of going deeper with conversations, of asking a second time, of trusting our guts and moving past our hesitation - is being grasped and moving beyond one day to any day. Whilst saying “G’day how are you?” will always be a greeting - we can do more. When Gavin lost his father to suicide he wanted to try and protect other families from the pain his endured. He wanted to get people talking and having real chats about how they’re feeling with their mates, their family and their colleagues. In locker rooms, lunch rooms, and lounge rooms across the nation. But he approached it from a different angle. Gavin wanted all of us to have the confidence to support the people we care about who might be struggling with life. To make conversations a natural part of our behaviour, to openly show our signals of support. So as R U OK? generations continue to evolve, my chapter is coming to a close. How fortunate I am to have been part of the story. From hesitant glances during presentations in 2015 to queues of people waiting for a conversation in 2025. From yellow wigs in the office, to welcoming yellow-swathed Ambassadors to share their lived experience. From yellow coffee cups in a café, to yellow cars driving into communities nationwide. And yes, there’s been a few cupcakes along the way. Social change is happening, and we are all a part of it. No one organisation can prevent suicide, no one individual can save everyone - but the power of many can make a difference.
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